Global population approaches a peak

Independent, UK -Falling fertility rates across much of the world mean that 183 of 195 countries could have shrinking populations by the end of the century, according to research published in the Lancet Journal.

Ageing populations and fewer babies being born could lead to more than 20 countries – including Spain, Italy and Japan – seeing their numbers plunge by up to 50 per cent.

Researchers at the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predict the world’s population to be 8.8bn by 2100 – almost 2bn billion fewer than projections published in a 2019 United Nations report.

Countries’ populations are decreasing because their fertility rate – the average number of children a woman gives birth to – has fallen below 2.1. Anything below this figure and the population begins to shrink.